Artist description The music of Kristin Shout draws from influences ranging from the cabaret tunes of Kurt Weill and Edith Piaf to the folk rock of Neil Young and the alternately brazen and moody vocals of PJ Harvey. Although her voice has been compared to performers ranging from to Patti Smith to EmmyLou Harris, her vocal color and songwriting style is uniquely her own. The music attacks with ferociousness, but invites and involves with truth. Paul Barile of Chicago Arts and Entertainment confirmed, "Her combination of fearlessness and talent result in sexy, dark songs that are as ageless as they are intelligent."

Music Style Indie - eclectic/acoustic

Musical Influences Tom Waits, Edith Piaf, Neil Young, Calexico, Linda Ronstandt, Lou Reed, David Bowie

Similar Artists Patti Smith, Marriane Faithful, Ani Difranco, PJ Harvey

Artist History Kristin's music career started on the streets of Paris in 1994. Over the next five years she traveled and played in such diverse European countries as: Belgium, Holland, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and, of course, France. Prior to her journies overseas, Kristin was a member of the ensemble that won the 1991 National Poetry Slam and received a fellowship award from the Illinois Arts Council in the field of performance art, which enabled her to stage her well-received one woman show, "Screaming to be Free from the Icon Tree." Said Achy Obejas of the Chicago Reader, "She vibrantly energizes a room". Kristin Shout's unique history in music, poetry and performance art has led to her to her own sound. Upon her return to Chicago (and its infamous Wicker Park arts scene), she has continued to build a following with her band, Smoking Kitten, through desire, energy, and talent. According to Barile from Chicago Arts and Entertainment, "Through stark originality and adherence to musical integrity, Shout's music has grown to be yet another facet in the jewel called Chicago's music scene". Shout can be seen performing with her band, Smoking Kitten, which was voted the best new band in Chicago in New City's "Best of Chicago" 2002 Reader's Choice Poll. The have played at some of Chicago's most acclaimed original music clubs, such as The Abbey Pub, Schuba's, Double Door and Martyr's where they have shared billings with Grammy nominated vocalist, Abra Moore, Golden Globe nominated songwriter Dave Baerwald (Tuesday Night Music Club), Soul Asylum, Nash Kato, Josh Joplin, Kelly Hogan, Tim Easton, Leon Russell, Kasim Sultan (from Utopia) and Amy Rigby, who was Spin Magazine's pick for Songwriter of the year.

Group Members Backing Kristin Shout is Smoking Kitten: Jeff Kust (guitar/mandolin), Doug Brush (percussion), Greg Nergaard (bass), John Knecht (drums), Melissa Ziemer (backup vocals) who play her music with passion, imagination and energy.

Instruments Kristin Shout - vox, acoustic guitar, Jeff Kust - guitar, mandolin, Greg Nergaard - upright and electric bass, Doug Brush - percussion/vibes, John Knecht - drums, Melissa Ziemer - backup vocals

Albums Self Titled EPs: Kristin Shout (2001) Kristin Shout and Smoking Kitten (2003)

Press Reviews Excellent examples of her work can be found on both of her self-released EP's. Paul Barile of Chicago Arts and Entertainment said, "Kristin Shout's debut EP is a breath of smoky nightclub air with enough wit and invention to demand further research on this artist." Carter Moss of the Illinois Entertainer said, "She's been compared to everyone from Eartha Kitt to Ani DiFranco to Fiona Apple, and after hearing her passionate vocals it's easy to see why....This debut EP allows Shout to showcase her strong and diverse vocals, and leaves a reason to look forward to her first full-length release."

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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